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The lineup for the 2016 Twilight Concert Series, announced Tuesday, is an eclectic mix of bands and musicians; some have performed in Salt Lake City before, others will make their Utah debut.
"It's a great combination of genres and artists," said Jesse Schaefer, the performing-arts program manager for the Salt Lake Arts Council, which sponsors the series that will run Thursday nights from July 21 to Sept. 1 at Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake City.
This year's first show features Australia's Chet Faker, known for his mix of electronic, downbeat and soul. His Twilight performance should make up for any disappointed feelings of his fans, said Schaefer, as Faker — whose real name is Nicholas James Murphy — had to cancel his sold-out show at The Depot in August 2015.
Twilight closes with Fitz and the Tantrums, who performed a sold-out show at Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre in 2014. Based in Los Angeles, the group offers retro soul with a little Motown; it has a self-titled album due in June, featuring the single "Handclap."
In between, Twilight fans will get to experience five other shows, including EDM favorite DIPLO; Grimes, the stage name for Canadian synth pop artist Claire Boucher; and a double bill featuring hip-hop artist Pusha T and alternative hip-hop trio Digable Planets, which recently reunited. Local bands are expected to open every show.
Big Grams, a collaboration between rapper Big Boi and electronic rock duo Phantogram, was announced a few weeks ago. They are Twilight alumni — Big Boi performed on the Twilight stage in 2010, and Phantogram played it in 2011.
Schaefer is especially excited to have DIPLO — the stage name for Thomas Wesley Pentz — perform. "He hasn't been to this market, but has done some really cool work worldwide," Schaefer said. In March, DIPLO became the first major pop act from the United States to perform in Cuba since diplomatic relations between the two countries were reinstated in 2015.
In the male-dominated music industry, the Arts Council made it a point to bring two female artists to the stage. In addition to Grimes, Twilight fans can hear American singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis perform Aug. 11. She last performed locally at The Depot in 2014.
With some well-known acts in the lineup, Twilight attendance is expected to improve its average attendance, which was 9,500 per show in 2015. The previous year, the average was 13,500. Last year's largest show, Death Cab for Cutie, brought in 25,000 fans, while The Word had 4,000.
City officials surely will be watching; earlier this month, Twilight Concert Series organizers asked for an extra $150,000 in emergency funding so they could begin booking acts for the summer season. The concert series has an annual budget of $1.6 million. Last year, the independent, nonprofit Salt Lake City Arts Council sought $60,000 in emergency funding.
Despite the revenue shortage, ticket prices remain the same in 2016, Schaefer said, with general admission still $5 in advance and $10 the day of show. A season ticket package is available for $30 before May 31, as is a new limited-availability VIP pass for people 21 and over. It offers access to a cash bar, private restrooms and special preshow performances.
Schaefer said the arts council will once again work with area food trucks to bring mobile food to the music-loving masses, and it has partnered with Craft Lake City to showcase artists.
2016 Twilight Concert Series
This year's lineup has seven shows, a mix of genres and performers.
July 21 • Australian Chet Faker performs a mix of electronic, downbeat and soul
July 28 • Big Grams, a collaboration between rapper Big Boi and electronic rock duo Phantogram
Aug. 4 • DIPLO, electronic dance music
Aug. 11 • Jenny Lewis, American singer-songwriter, with Shannon and the Clams
Aug. 18 • Pusha T, American hip-hop artist; and Digable Planets, an alternative hip-hop trio
Aug. 25 • Grimes, the stage name for Canadian synth pop artist Claire Boucher; with Jagwar Ma
Sept. 1 • Fitz and the Tantrums, modern pop; with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and The National Parks
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Details
When • Thursdays, July 21-Sept. 1. Gates open at 5 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m.
Where • Pioneer Park, 350 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $5 in advance or $10 day of show; season package for $30 through May 31; $35 beginning June 1. Tickets to the new VIP Lounge at Twilight are available to those 21 and older for $25 in advance or $35 day of show; $150 for a VIP season pass. Lounge tickets include a private cash bar, private restrooms and special preshow performances. All available at 24Tix.
More information • twilightconcerts.com; Twitter @SLCtwilight; and Instagram @slctwilight #Twilight16